LBJ Overcomes Death of a Player to Win First Playoff Game in Seven Years

LBJ Jaguar starters Zae Giles, left, and Avery Jackson kneel down in prayer prior to the start of their game with the memory of their lineman Jermaine Dillard first and foremost in their hearts. Vista Ridge played host to LBJ in a bi-district playoff game at John Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park Saturday afternoon November 15, 2014.

Vista Ridge’s Drew Fannie embraces Deitrich Heard before the game as they are introduce as captains for the game. Heard is wearing the jersey number of deceased player Jermaine Dillard.

LBJ’s Zae Giles stiff arms Vista Ridge’s Parker Stallings on a long run during first quarter action. Giles scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the win and continue their season.

LBJ’s Deitrich Heard celebrates the Jaguars victory in the closing seconds. He paid tribute to his fallen teammate Jermaine Dillard by wearing his jersey.

LBJ Jaguars celebrate their improbable victory by celebrating on the field.

LBJ Jaguars head coach Andrew Jackson is overcome by emotion as he celebrates their improbable victory with his players. The team honored Jermaine Dillard who was killed in an auto-pedestrian accident last weekend by dedicating the game to him and wearing decals of purple ribbons and his number 64.

LBJ Jaguars head coach Andrew Jackson accepts a check for the family of deceased player Jermaine Dillard given to him by Vista Ridge player Cade Smarr after the game. The Rangers and community help raise funds for the Dillard family.

After the game was decided and all the cheering and tears were shed the Vista Ridge players and their coach greeted LBJ Jaguars head coach Andrew Jackson and his players to present a check for the Dillard family. Cade Smarr, left, and Matthew Piper, right, embrace coach Jackson.

LBJ’s Deitrich Heard hugs head coach Andrew Jackson after all the cheering died his jersey.

LBJ’s Charles Scott holds dog tags that were given to the team in honor of their fallen teammate Jermaine Dillard.

The trademark red shoes and helmet of fallen teammate Jermaine Dillard sit on a table behind the team bench of the LBJ Jaguars throughout their playoff game as a gentle reminder and tribute to the friend they simply called “Seattle”.